Dear India, Here’s a Message from Your Citizens

This Republic Day, what would you like to tell India?

Citizens from across the nation write their letter to India for Republic Day 2020. 

(Photo: Shruti Mathur/The Quint)

We Indians have much to talk about these days. But what would you tell India if you had the chance, and how would you say it? Citizens from across the country have written their letters for Republic Day 2020.

Hanna Isath writes:

“Dear India,

Diversity and plurality are the cornerstones of our democratic setup. These values cannot be obliterated by any means because doing so would erode the spirit and soul of India. Let us embrace the uniqueness of each individual despite the myriad differences we are born with. Let us enrich our nation with love and mutual respect. Let us agree to dissent without fear and uphold scientific temperament. Let us lead the world through our multiculturalism and benevolence.”

(Photo: The Quint)

‘Uphold Secular Ethos’

Others wish for their country to uphold the values it is known for – tolerance, secularism, and unity.

Anish Parameswar from Kottayam writes,

“Dear India,

I am proud to be part of you. You are one of the best. I admire your beauty. You are a dream because there has been value for the freedoms of your people. You have promised to treat everyone equally. Today, I sense a divisive policy that I will resist until you are free from such an ideology. I stand strong for unity in diversity.”

(Photo: The Quint)

Similarly, Parmeshwar Sharma from Pune wishes for the country to maintain brotherhood between its people.

“Dear India,

There is no power that can break our brotherhood and love. The CAA is just a chapter in our history,  if we are divided on these lines then our dreams for progress and development will be tough to achieve. Governments are temporary, but the essence of India as a tolerant nation is permanent.”

(Photo: The Quint)

Always stay united, writes Raja Sarkar from Kolkata in his letter to India.

(Photo: The Quint)

Soham Mitra hopes India stands the test of time. They write,

“Dear India,

I assure you I will not leave you. These are days of peril, but we will once again stand united, shoulder to shoulder. I urge you to stay strong.

Once again our unity is threatened and your secular nature put to test. But rest assured, we will once again stand the test of time.

We will reinstate you to your former glory and after this is over you will truly be the world’s largest secular, democratic republic.

Till that day comes, stay strong, we are with you.”

‘Be Open to All’

Zakir Hussain, an Indian studying in Kazakhstan, says India’s diversity is its strength.

(Photo: The Quint)

Simhadriya Simha from from Krishnarajapuram wishes for her country to be more inclusive.

(Photo: The Quint)

Stay strong, says Akshita Shanker in her letter to India.

(Photo: The Quint)

Abhijith AJ praised India’s youth in his letter to India.

“Dear India,

Thank you for your democratic ideals and the fundamental rights that you provide for all citizens. But I wish the police force of today would understand that the youth is only
fighting for an undivided motherland.”

(Photo: The Quint)

Mehak from Mumbai hopes India has less pollution.

(Photo: The Quint)

Similarly, Parvez from Bengaluru hopes that India tackles its pollution problem by promoting the usage of bicycles.

“Dear India,

I am worried about the rising pollution these days due to the traffic. I would suggest to promote usage of bicycles and bring awareness among the public about the advantages of its usage. Amsterdam is one such example where around 80 percent of the population uses bicycles. I would love to see that in my country.”

(Photo: The Quint)

(All 'My Report' branded stories are submitted by citizen journalists to The Quint. Though The Quint inquires into the claims/allegations from all parties before publishing, the report and the views expressed above are the citizen journalist's own. The Quint neither endorses, nor is responsible for the same.)